The collision between a Pakistan Navy and an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea on 15 Sep 26 merits to be seen as more than a navigational mishap. It occurred while the Pakistan Navy was conducting its biennial SEASPARK-26 exercise, and its naval assets were followed for several days by Indian Naval assets, close to the exercise area. In a region already marked by strategic mistrust, the incident illustrates how routine naval surveillance can develop into dangerous close-quarter interaction and how quickly a tactical encounter can acquire diplomatic and strategic consequences.

The official statement of the foreign office categorically states that while the Pakistan Navy was undertaking its biennial exercise SEASPARK-26, the Indian vessel carried out aggressive manoeuvres in dangerous proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in contact between the two vessels, which is a serious violation of international law and the bilateral agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements, 1991. It urged India to adhere strictly to international law and bilateral agreements, particularly those aimed at preventing incidents at sea.

Pakistan Navy has been conducting SEASPARK-26 in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 01 Sep 26. It was a properly notified and scheduled exercise. Reportedly, since 07 Sep 26, an Indian naval vessel, with an embarked helicopter, had repeatedly attempted to enter the area in which the Pakistani exercise was conducted. Consequently, on 15 Sep 26, INS KOLKATA conducted aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres in proximity to PNS HUNAIN, eventually coming into contact. Fortunately, the incident caused no reported loss of life, injuries or serious damage. Nevertheless, the absence of casualties does not diminish its seriousness.

Pakistan subsequently summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest, describing the action as provocative and unacceptable. India, on the other hand, has presented the opposite account and said that the incident occurred in international waters and that PNS HUNAIN approached an Indian warship operating on a routine surveillance mission at high speed and in an unsafe manner. It’s........

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